Mumps the Word

While the pun in the title is definitely intended, the mumps virus is no joking matter. In recent months, we’ve seen a spike in the number of reported mumps cases—not just in Iowa, but across the United States. Iowa’s number of reported cases has jumped up to 110 times the average, and has particularly increased in counties with a college presence.

As of March 28, 2016, 550 cases of mumps were reported, which is thought to be underreported. Iowa typically sees between five to 15 cases of mumps per year. Mumps is an infection caused by the mumps virus. That’s about as clear as mud. Breaking it down into symptoms exhibited may make it easier to understand.

Symptoms common to those afflicted by mumps include fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, loss of appetite, and swollen salivary glands under the jaw, according to the Iowa Department of Public Health. Mumps is most prevalent among infants, children, and young adults, but has become a rare disease in the United States due to high vaccination rates for the infection.

Mumps is spread through saliva or mucus from the mouth, nose, or throat from an infected person. This could be when a person sneezes, coughs, or even talks. An infected person who touches surfaces without washing his or her hands can also perpetuate the illness.

Although some individuals elect to forego vaccinations, many in the United States follow vaccination guidelines administered from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/acip-recs/index.html).

So, what is the moral of this sickly story? Make sure your MMR vaccine is up-to-date and that if you get diagnosed with the infection you take appropriate measures to keep your distance from others and to wash your hands…OFTEN!

Please contact your primary care provider to find out if your MMR immunizations are current.

Sources:

• http://idph.iowa.gov/cade/disease-information/mumps
• http://www.radioiowa.com/2016/03/28/reported-mumps-cases-are-up-this-year/

Is Your Body Summer Ready?

It is common during the spring months to switch out hearty meals for lighter recipes; darker clothing in favor of pretty pastels; and to shake the dust off your trusty home workout DVDs, all in an effort to prepare for summer. Ah, summer, the time of year that calls for sunshine and cold drinks by the pool. When asked if they are “summer ready,” most women reply with a hasty, “No!” But, at Grinnell Regional Medical Center, we urge you to think of being “summer ready” from a different angle.

This year, we propose you get “summer ready” in just 10 minutes by getting a mammogram screening. Mammography is the x-ray examination of breast tissues. The goal is to detect breast cancer in its early stages for early treatment. During a mammography scan, you can expect breast compression, which spreads the tissue apart to allow a lower dose of x-ray. We all know that breast compression may be temporarily uncomfortable, but it is necessary in order to produce a good mammogram image! The compression is only in place for a few seconds of the examination, and the entire procedure takes only about 10 minutes.

Sacrificing a few uncomfortable seconds and an exam totaling just 10 minutes seems like a small price to pay for peace of mind for an entire year!

If you fall into one of The American Cancer Society’s recommended breast cancer screening categories below, please consider regular screenings.

• Women age 20 to 39 should receive a clinical breast exam by a doctor or nurse every three years and complete a self-exam every month.
• Women age 40 and older should have a mammogram every year, a yearly clinical breast exam by a doctor or nurse, and conduct a self-exam every month. Note: Some physicians prefer a baseline mammogram be taken at age 35. Women with a strong family history of breast cancer may need to begin mammogram screenings at a younger age.

If you would like more information about mammography or would like to schedule an appointment, please call the Grinnell Regional Medical Center Radiology Department at 641-236-2355. Grinnell Regional Medical Center, here when you need us.

We Love Our Volunteers and Auxiliary!

GRMC volunteers Gene Elliott (left) and Jerry Henschen (right) pose for a photo.

Grinnell Regional Medical Center enjoys the service of over 150 volunteers. We have many volunteers who serve on advisory boards, committees, and within departments that serve our patients and staff. GRMC volunteers do it all!

According to Independent Sector, a volunteer’s time is valued at $23.07 per hour. Each year thousands of hours are volunteered at GRMC to improve patient experiences and services. Volunteers are valuable members of our team. They are the smiling faces that greet family members and patients as they enter our doors. They are the assuring voices when a loved one is in surgery. They are the leaders who provide guidance to our many boards and committees. They help deliver mail and supplies to our outreach clinics. They are extremely important to GRMC.

Auxiliary members and volunteers intermingled over dinner.

In an effort to thank our volunteers for the countless hours they devote to serving GRMC and its guests, GRMC along with the GRMC Auxiliary, hosted a Volunteer Appreciation Dinner in conjunction with the Auxiliary Membership Meeting.

The Volunteer Appreciation Dinner and the Auxiliary Membership Meeting were held on Tuesday, April 12, as part of National Volunteer Week. This was the first time these events have merged to be held over the dinner hour, and the event saw great success. More than 75 guests attended the celebratory event, and enjoyed a photo booth, buffet-style dinner, a ‘Thank You’ video, and a program delivered by Todd Linden, GRMC president and CEO; Jen Collins, Auxiliary co-president; and Cara Kenkel, volunteer coordinator and auxiliary liaison.

Alice and John DeRooi love the GRMC Auxiliary!

The GRMC Auxiliary has approximately 300 dedicated volunteers who run this important organization that supports GRMC. Supporters lead the organization, run the gift shop, staff fundraising events, and offer educational programs like first-grade pediatric orientation and scholarships to individuals pursing healthcare degrees. The GRMC Auxiliary has a robust and active history for more than 48 years.

We value our volunteers at the medical center and wanted to create a special way to say a very sincere and heartfelt ‘Thank you.’ If you are interested in volunteering at GRMC, please contact Cara Kenkel at 641-236-2043 or ckenkel@grmc.us. 

You Don't Have to Be Lonely Alone

“When so many are lonely as seem to be lonely, it would be inexcusably selfish to be lonely alone.” – Tennessee Williams

Sickness, heartache, loss—we’ve all had our share of these unfortunate stressors. During those times of struggle, many have the tendency to become withdrawn and lonely, convinced they should suffer alone—but that’s not the case.

Support is crucial during these times of loss, illness, insecurity, and confusion to help carry the emotional load. GRMC has many support groups that are set up to help those with specific needs. Below is a list of GRMC’s support groups, when and where they meet, and a description of the group. If you can relate to any of these groups, please attend. You are more than welcome to come without feeling pressured to share, unless you want to.

Grinnell Regional Medical Center, here when you need us.

Bariatric Surgery Patient Support
This support group provides education and support for GRMC patients who have had weight-loss surgery.

2016 dates: Saturdays – May 7, August 6, and November 5, 9 to 11 a.m. • Tomasek Conference Center, GRMC

For more information, call 641-236-2069.

Breastfeeding Support Group
GRMC offers a support group for women to encourage and support breastfeeding their babies. It is free and open to nursing mothers.
First Tuesday of each month, 10:30 a.m. Ÿ Light Center for Community Health.

Infant weight checks are done at 11:30 and open to anyone, or may be scheduled.

For more information, call 641-236-2324.

Cancer Support
This group provides an informational time of sharing and support for anyone with a cancer diagnosis. Every Tuesday, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. • Room 204, GRMC

For more information, call 641-236-2568 or email lromero@grmc.us.

Caregivers Support Group
Grinnell Regional Hospice offers a Caregiver Support Group for anyone caring for an older adult loved one.  The group provides caregivers with the opportunity to gain support, strength and encouragement from each other.

Fourth Tuesday of each month, 10 to 11 a.m. Ÿ First Presbyterian Church, 1025 5th Avenue, Grinnell

Diabetes Living Support Group
This diabetes support group meets bi-monthly, and is facilitated by a registered dietitian. Speakers and topics vary.

2016 dates:  Mondays – May 9, July 11, September 12, and November 14, 7 to 8 p.m. Ÿ Tomasek Conference Center, GRMC

For more information, call 641-236-2488.

Grief Support Group
The Grief Support Group is for adults who have experienced the loss of a loved one or friend. The group supports participants through the emotions, reactions, and experiences that follow the death of someone close.

Second Wednesday of the month, 10 to 11 a.m. • Drake Community Library, 930 Park St., Grinnell

For more information, call 641-236-2418 or email shuls@grmc.us.

Meet and Eat Bereavement Support

This is not your typical bereavement support group. Meet & Eat is a monthly dinner gathering for those who have lost a loved one. It is a time to remember that even though you may have lost a loved one, you can still be social and enjoy a meal out with others who share similar experiences.

First Sunday of the month, 5:30 p.m. • Tomasek Conference Center, GRMC
Cost of meal: $6

For more information and reservations, call 641-236-2418 or email shuls@grmc.us.

Perinatal Loss Support Group
The perinatal loss support group provides a safe and supportive environment for individuals who have experienced the tragic loss of a baby.

2016 dates: Thursdays – April 28, July 28, and October 27, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Ÿ East Tomasek Room, GRMC

For more information, call the Kintzinger Women’s Health Center at 641-236-2324 or email sbaarda@grmc.us. 

It’s No Joke—We Have Two New Doctors!

Jennifer Paisley, MD

April Fool’s Day may be tomorrow, but this announcement is certainly no joke: GRMC adds two doctors within one week of each other!

Jennifer Paisley, MD, internal medicine and pediatric specialist, started seeing patients on Monday, March 28, at Grinnell Regional Internal Medicine. Her primary focuses include internal medicine, pediatric behavioral and developmental delays, and medical weight management.

As a native of Grinnell, Paisley is enthusiastic about developing a community-wide program to address Poweshiek County’s obesity dilemma, which was labeled a high level priority in the community health needs assessment results.

In her free time, Paisley enjoys cooking, gardening, and spending time with her husband and two young children.

Elizabeth Tigges, DO, obstetrics and gynecology specialist, will begin seeing patients on Monday, April 4, at Surgical Associates. Her primary focuses cover the full array of women’s needs, which includes chronic pelvic pain and infertility, to obstetrics and gynecology.

Elizabeth Tigges, DO

Tigges plans to work with area primary care providers for obstetrical care, cesarean births, and gynecological care. Her office will be in Surgical Associates of Grinnell.

Outside of work, Tigges enjoys traveling, exercising, reading, and likes to spend time with her husband, friends, and family.

For more information about Dr. Paisley, please call Grinnell Regional Internal Medicine at 641-236-2382. For more information about Dr. Tigges, please call Surgical A

ssociates at 641-236-4323.

Making a Difference - it's What We Do

We invite you to check out the major changes at GRMC over the last three years. Donations to the Moving at the Speed of Life comprehensive campaign have built the Manatt Family Urgent Care clinic, created a new fitness center at Postels Community Health Park, and allowed us to invest in a state-of-the-art 64-slice CT scanner. Look at all the progress we have made and note that those are only a sample of the great things happening at GRMC!

The emergency department (ED) renovation is the last big project on our checklist. The support we’ve experienced from local donors has been amazing, and we are very close to meeting our $2 million goal. We recently received a second round of generosity from Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company. The company believes so strongly in keeping emergency services local that they have donated another $250,000 to help GRMC reach the $2 million mark.

Grinnell Mutual made this donation and simultaneously proposed a challenge. We hope this donation is a catalyst to encourage you to donate just a little more in order to reach $2 million. The company ponied up their funds upfront and now it’s time to raise at least $250,000 more.

We can do this—with your help! No one ever wants to have to go to the emergency room, but having it readily accessible—just in case—is crucial. We’re asking YOU to help us raise the money so we can have an excellent emergency department ready to meet the needs of our friends and neighbors. This project will modernize and renovate existing space that will provide up-to-date, private treatment rooms, new triage and registration areas, and expanded support space for physicians, nurses, and other providers. We have raised almost $1.7 million in gifts set aside for the emergency department renovation, to date.

The medical center is fortunate to have abundant support in our area. We have everyone from your next door neighbor to international companies like Grinnell Mutual donating to the ED project, because those donors recognize what a vital community resource the GRMC emergency department is. Help us make a difference for thousands of families and individuals across central Iowa; making a difference is what we do best.   

-Written by Heidi Ramaeker Pearson

Everyone Poops

People are often too embarrassed to talk about their bowel movements. We get it; it’s not exactly a popular watercooler conversation topic. However, the truth remains that everyone poops! And it’s important to remember that while talking about your trips to the toilet may not exactly trip your trigger, your stool holds many of the secrets of your internal health. Screening your stool for signs of colorectal cancer is a must.

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the United States and the second leading cause of death from cancer according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

While those are overwhelming statistics, there is good news! If individuals aged 50 and older received regular colorectal cancer screenings, six of 10 deaths caused by colorectal cancer could be PREVENTED!

We admit that no one really wants to have this discussion. But, reading the following information is the very least you can do to make the first steps toward making a healthy screening choice, according to your age and healthcare provider’s recommendations. 

Screening measures include:

• Stool DNA tests (sDNA) are tests that mainly find cancer, including:
• High-sensitivity fecal occult blood tests (FOBT)
• Guaiac FOBT (gFOBT): Approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to test for colorectal cancer.
• Fecal immunochemical test (FIT): Approved by the FDA to test for colorectal cancer.

All of these test the stool for hidden blood or other changes that may be signs of cancer. They are less invasive and easier to do, but are less likely to find polyps than other types of tests. Samples are collected by the patient using a kit, and the samples are returned to a doctor. A colonoscopy will be needed if results are abnormal. Studies have shown that if this test is performed every year or two by people aged 50 to 80 years, colorectal cancer deaths could be reduced by 15 to 33 percent.

Many people choose to “forget” about these important and potentially life-saving screenings because of the stories that circulate about the prep for a colonoscopy, or the nasty visuals featuring stool sampling nightmares. The reality is that while it’s not fun to collect a stool sample, the results could save your life.

• Tests that find both polyps and cancer include:
• Sigmoidoscopy
• A flexible, lighted tube with a viewing lens and removal tool is put in through the anus into the rectum and sigmoid colon.
• Tissue can be taken from any areas of concern and polyps can be removed.
• Studies have shown that people who are regularly screened with this method after age 50 have a 60 to 70 percent lower risk of colorectal cancer death than those that do not have the screening.

• Colonoscopy 
• A thin, lighted blue tube is put in through the anus and rectum and passed up into the colon to look for abnormal areas.
• Tissue can be taken from any areas of concern and polyps can be removed.
• Studies have shown that colonoscopies reduce colorectal cancer deaths by 60 to 70 percent.
• Double-contrast barium enema
• Barium is a substance that looks white on x-rays.
• It is put into the rectum through a plastic tube and fills the colon.
• A series of x-rays show the size of the colon and any growths or polyps protruding into the hollow space of the colon.
• CT colonography
• Air is pumped into the colon through a flexible tube.
• CT scans are then done.
• Special computer programs create both two-dimensional x-ray pictures and a three-dimensional “fly-through” view of the inside of the colon and rectum, which lets the doctor look for polyps and cancer.

The gold standard remains that a colonoscopy should be performed after age 50. Talk to your healthcare provider to decide which colorectal cancer screening tool is best for you. You could literally be sitting on the most important discovery of your life. Don’t ignore it. Remember, colorectal cancer is preventable, treatable, and beatable.

Grinnell Regional Public Health has Guaiac FOBT kits available. To find out more about the availability of colorectal screening kits, please call Grinnell Regional Public Health at 641-236-62567.

Sources:

http://www.cancer.gov/types/colorectal/screening-fact-sheet

https://healthfinder.gov/nho/MarchToolkit.aspx